SBS2 Returns In August With New Look And Expanded Line-Up Of Drama, Sport And Entertainment — SBS is bringing back one of Australian television’s most recognisable brands, announcing that SBS Viceland will officially become SBS2 from Friday, 21 August 2026, ushering in a refreshed look and an ambitious new slate of premium drama, documentaries, sport and entertainment.
The move marks the end of SBS’s longstanding branding partnership with VICE Media and sees the channel return under the SBS banner, with the broadcaster positioning SBS2 as a destination for culturally curious viewers seeking television that is “smart, surprising, sexy and different”.
Aimed squarely at audiences aged 25 to 54, SBS says the rebrand will provide a clearer destination for younger, digitally engaged audiences across both broadcast television and streaming while maintaining the fearless spirit viewers have come to expect from the channel.
A Fresh Look With The Same SBS Spirit
The relaunch comes as SBS prepares to deliver some of the biggest sporting and cultural events of 2026, including the FIFA World Cup and Tour de France, with the broadcaster promising an even greater appetite for bold stories and conversation-starting television.
SBS Acting Head of Network Programming Natalie Edgar said the relaunch builds on everything Australians already love about the channel while broadening its appeal for contemporary audiences.
“Bringing the channel back under the SBS banner creates a clearer destination for audiences across broadcast and streaming, while giving us greater opportunity to connect viewers with the stories, characters and cultural moments they won’t find anywhere else.”
She added that SBS2 would continue to be a place for viewers who are curious, passionate and looking to be entertained.
A Bigger, Bolder Line-Up
The SBS2 launch slate spans premium drama, documentaries, live sport, entertainment and fandom-driven programming.
Leading the charge is the highly anticipated The Vampire Lestat, the next chapter in Anne Rice’s vampire universe and the new season of Interview With The Vampire, a series that has become one of the channel’s most passionate fan favourites.
Other dramas joining the schedule include:
- The Dropout
- Fleishman Is In Trouble
- Minx
SBS2 is also leaning heavily into fandom culture with dedicated programming celebrating iconic franchises and pop culture phenomena.
Highlights include:
- The Centre Seat: 60 Years of Star Trek
- A dedicated Quentin Tarantino season
- The Hunger Games franchise
- Deep dives into the global Alone phenomenon.
Big Names And Compelling Stories
The channel’s new-look schedule will feature an eclectic mix of personalities and storytellers including:
- Orna Guralnik (Couples Therapy)
- Sean Bean (Original Gangsters)
- David Duchovny (Secrets Declassified)
- Adam Hills (The Last Leg)
- Raven-Symoné (Scrabble)
- Mayim Bialik (Celebrity Jeopardy!)
SBS favourite Danny Estrin from Voyager will also front Precious Metal: A Love Story, a new series exploring the stories and memories behind some of Australia’s most beloved cars.
Documentaries, Ideas And Human Connection
The channel’s documentary slate promises thought-provoking stories exploring technology, history and society.
Upcoming titles include:
- The Future with Hannah Fry
- Will AI Take My Job?
- Engineering By Catastrophe
- History’s Greatest Machines with Dolph Lundgren.
SBS2 will also continue the broadcaster’s long tradition of exploring intimacy and human relationships through series including:
- Couples Therapy
- The Naked World
- Secrets of the Bunny Ranch.
Live Sport And Shared Experiences
The network’s sporting and event line-up remains a key pillar of the channel, with viewers able to enjoy:
- La Vuelta
- RAW Comedy
- Asian All Stars Comedy Gala
- Special themed programming events and movie marathons.
Across drama, documentaries, comedy, entertainment, sport and culture, SBS says the new-look channel is designed for audiences who are curious, passionate and always looking for their next obsession.
The rebrand from SBS Viceland to SBS2 officially takes place at 5.00am AEST on Friday, 21 August 2026, with further programming announcements expected in the lead-up to launch.
RelatedPosts
TV Central SBS content HERE
SBS2 returns as SBS unveils bold new line-up of drama, sport and entertainment
I Like SBS 2